Hundreds of pupils across Abia North Senatorial District are returning to their classrooms in new school uniforms, following the commencement of a free uniform distribution programme by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
The initiative, which builds on the lawmaker’s earlier provision of classrooms, textbooks and school desks, covers more than 300 primary schools across the five local government areas of Umunneochi, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Bende.
The distribution was officially flagged off on Tuesday at Leru in Umunneochi Local Government Area, where excited pupils of Leru Central School, Umuchieze, were among the first beneficiaries.
Representing the senator at the event, his Senior Legislative Aide, Victor Ettie, said the intervention reflects Kalu’s commitment to practical service delivery, especially in the education sector.
“While many engage in endless promises, Senator Kalu has consistently focused on projects that directly improve the lives of the people, particularly our children,” Ettie said.
Teachers and pupils at the school expressed appreciation for what they described as sustained educational support, noting that the senator had previously renovated classrooms, supplied desks and distributed learning materials to schools in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the staff, the Head Teacher of Leru Central School, Umuchieze, thanked the senator for what she called timely and impactful intervention.
“We will continue to celebrate our senator. May God bless him for all he has done for our school. The teachers and pupils are deeply grateful,” she said.
Beyond the current uniform distribution, Senator Kalu has also provided free school bags and science textbooks in core subjects including Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry to pupils across the district.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, the lawmaker has facilitated the construction and renovation of several schools across Abia North, focusing on improving learning environments and restoring dilapidated infrastructure.
Schools that have benefited from new classroom blocks or major renovation include Amankalu Primary School, St. Joseph Primary School and Amankwo Primary School in Bende, as well as Leru Central School, Isuochi Central School and Lomara Central School in Umunneochi.
Speaking on the initiative, Kalu said his interventions are aimed at giving pupils the dignity and tools needed to learn effectively.
“Education remains the strongest tool for empowering our children and securing the future of Abia North. That is why we are not only renovating schools, but also ensuring pupils have desks, textbooks and uniforms,” he said.
The senator also recalled that many of the schools currently being renovated were originally built during his tenure as Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007 but had suffered years of neglect.
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